Fresh warning over Class A drugs in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire

Humberside Police have issued a fresh warning about the dangers of taking Class A drugs like heroin after a spate of deaths in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.

Two recent deaths in Hull have been linked to heroin contaminated with a synthetic that makes it 100 times more powerful than the traditional street form.

The force has now launched a new operation which'll see officers targetting those dealing drugs on our region's streets and also diverting users into support.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Kirby said:

“We are aware of a number of Heroin users who have died in the past 5 months in the city and are still trying to establish the cause of death in each case as part of the coronial process, however some have been contaminated with the anesthetic fentanyl making them very dangerous for heroin users. To safeguard people who are vulnerable to this risk we working with partners in health to provide advice to drug users and what to do if they or others they know become unwell after they use drugs.”

Operation Windsor will see police teaming up with colleagues from Hull City Council, Renew - Drug and Alcohol Services and Remedi.

The agencies will be:

• Visiting people with a history of Heroin use who have been recently dealt with for shop theft and other acquisitive offending to make them aware of the serious threat using heroin may have and offer them support to tackle their addictions.

• Serving Criminal Behaviour Notices on people were there is a suggestion that they are being forced in supporting out of town drug dealing.

• Executing drug warrants at address in the city linked to serious organised crime, violence and the dealing of Class A drugs.

• Delivering leaflets in local communities where drug dealing and drug use has been an issue encouraging people to seek support in tackling addiction and urging people to report information about criminality and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood so the agencies involved can take action.

DCI Kirby added:

“We are launching Operation Windsor in response to the issue - which is not going to be resolved alone through police enforcement - and will see an increased focus of diverting people with misuse issues into support. For instance, we know that many people who commit shop theft, burglary and vehicle crime do so to fund their addictions. So we will be visiting these individuals to make them aware of dangerous Heroin in circulation and provide them with specialist support face to face, with the aim of directing them to support to beat their addiction and change their long term criminal behaviour."

“We will also be utilising the Criminal Behaviour Notices to direct those who we believe are being threatened and exploited into drug dealing. These notices will outline the action they face if they don’t change their behaviour and encouraging them to engage in support with drug addiction. These individuals will also be encouraged to face the harm they are causing the neighbourhood. Coming to term with the impact they cause and the implications of their behaviour is more likely to divert them from criminality and into support which is the best outcome for the community and those involved."

“Finally, we will be targeting organised crime groups responsible for supplying and dealing harmful drugs that become a magnet for associated crime and anti-social behaviour. A disproportionate amount of violence is linked to these people and they also exploit vulnerable people to commit offences on their behalf. We will be dismantling their operations, disrupting offending, arresting offenders and showing the communities they blight that we are taking positive action to make them safer.”

Tracy Harsley City Manager for Citysafe & Early Intervention:

“Hull City Council’s Neighbourhood Nuisance Team and Early Help Support are supporting Humberside Police and other partners during Operation Windsor in offering both informal and formal sanctions alongside prevention and support to people involved and affected by drugs. The impact drug users and their issues have on the community cannot be underestimated, including drug paraphernalia, problem visitors to the property and increase in crime and anti-social behaviour to an area. It is hoped by having a multi-agency approach to these issues, those wanting help and support to alter their lifestyle can be supported and were necessary both informal and formal sanctions will be used to support residents and communities.”